Well after 24 days they have made the decision to operate but with higher risks. They are saying it’s not just the valve that is causing problems but my excess weight and especially my lungs. I believe I have already said my oxygen sats on entry were88-90%, that is pure COPD, today and regularly I’m getting 97-98% which is about the same for a normal person, in fact the Dr said mine were probably better than his.
I also said after walking up and down my 100ft garden( before I got the fluid on my lungs) I would stop and count how many breaths before I had normal breathing, it was always 25. After walking up and down the Ward corridor I checked this again - it’s the same 25. So personally I don’t believe the valve has deteriorated that much.
All their concerns are after the operation with regards to how long in ITU and how long in the ventilator, my last words to him were “ I might surprise you there”
Don’t worry as it approaches I will begin to panic
Hight
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highburyted
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Yes it is keyhole, they looked at all options inc just medication, no date yet but they’re working on it, i said “don’t rush” Their concerns r my weight and of course the COPD but as I write Dr Singh my surgeon has again pored his head in to confirm things and I said I may well surprise them because my breathing is unbelievable, now 97% oxygen sats, normal person range. At the moment I have no fears about going under for 4 hrs whereas before my concerns were with the amount of times I need my nebuliser 20+ times per day inc on wake up , today - once only all day and night. Can’t believe I’m talking so positive I should be panicking like mad
You sound very buoyant at the plan the team has brought to you & also rightly proud of your own progress too. I had my valve replaced by OHS earlier this year & spent 4 days in ICU but they will look after you so well you should have no worries there. Keep us informed of a date when you get it. 😊
Very best wishes to you. I wouldn't be surprised that you are talking more calmly because you have finally got some answers.You are feeling that big sigh of relief from knowing that the problem is finally going to be fixed after all the waiting,
I know I feel like that when I've had to put up with long waits after months of confusion.
I'm rooting for you , as you say there are risks but you are breathing better than you were before going into hospital so you are probably in a much better condition than you were to have the operation than if you'd been rushed in.
Just read your post and to say best wishes. I am sure you will be looked after very well. We may have a messed up nhs, but once you get in, you are well looked after. Let us know how it goes. Get well soon. 👍❤️
Not yet, my surgeon came in again, he didn’t need to but he did to confirm, may b next week, high risk but there u r, and I must say he looked absolutely crackered !!!!!
Good new Ted. It's just a matter of time. You're probably not panicking because you have every confidence in the surgeon and they have managed your condition so well so far. Please don't feel the need to panic, you are certainly in very good hands. Here's to a great outcome after the op, I'm looking forward to hearing how it went.
Good morning. I know its a worrying time for you and you have already been in hospital a while. As you say your oxygen levels are excellent and I think Keyhole surgery means you will recover quicker than a bigger open heart operation. Sadly they tell everyone there's risks with every operation these days which frightens you. Keep us informed on the date for your operation and I will be thinking about you. . Take care. Brian
Finally the brakes have been released. I hope it isn't long before your train starts to move. Just need the green light, then you'll be off and making a start on your journey back towards home. Keep positive. It's taking time, but you'll get there. 😀
Wishing you all the best for your operation and will remember you in my prayers x
Well Ted..you are well informed and have faith that it will all go well..we will keep our fingers crossed and also pray that both you and the surgeon will have a great successful day on THE day..so let us know when..till then..keep calm..keep the oxygen levels up...and relax..as best you can..
OK so you finally have a decision. Its obviously been a difficult decision and such a long wait for you. Hopefully now you can start to prepare mentally and I hope its not too long a wait this time 🤞🏽🤞🏽🤞🏽
They have really thought carefully about you, symptoms and treatment - sounds like you are in safe hands.
I'd just like to say that like others here I'm with you all the way. Good to hear the positive signs. How do you occupy yourself while in hospital? I had a few days in hospital earlier this year and used to walk up and down the long corridors.
How's the weather there? Here in Central Bohemia we're having a cool wet weekend.
Weather is like it always is, up and down, and I too am walking up and down the corridors to gauge how my valve is, I came in with fluid on my lungs( they took 12 kilos off me) walking 5 ft sucking air like a goldfish, to now walking over 200yds. So all good but I’m extremely high risk when it comes to the operation
I’m glad to hear that you will soon have the operation that you need. You have waited awhile, so I’m sure that you just want to get on with it. Your medical team and surgeon sound brilliant, so things should go well!
I wish you the absolute best for the surgery, and for your recovery afterward. I will be looking forward to your stories of each.
Blessings to you and lots of positive thoughts! ❤️
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I'm back, my leaving was my decision, nothing to do with admin. Please don't blame them
6 months after valve replacement and all is looking good. 
An update : now 10 weeks since my AVR
Recovery after valve surgery!!
